"Bob leads with boldness and conviction because he knows what he is building and why. He is rejoining Thrive at a time when that kind of leadership matters most," Thrive's founder Josh Kushner posted on X.
Netflix made a deal to buy the Warner Bros side of the company—its studio and streaming businesses—late last year, but Paramount Skydance has been undeterred, aggressively pursuing what it claims to be a better offer for the entire WBD operation. After several failed attempts at a hostile takeover, WBD is considering a final Paramount offer, to which Netflix will have the opportunity to counter.
Zaslav could receive $34.2m in cash severance payments, $115.8m in vested stock and $517.2m in unvested share awards once the deal is complete, according to a filing from Warner Bros Discovery on Monday. The chief executive of the studio is also expecting tax reimbursements of up to $335.4m.
Warner Bros. Discovery on Friday agreed to be acquired by Paramount Skydance in a deal worth $110 billion, Reuters and Deadline reported, citing remarks by Warner Bros. executive. Bruce Campbell, Warner Bros' chief revenue and strategy officer, made the announcement at a morning town hall, according to Reuters.